This is a psychoeducational support group meaning that the main focus is learning skills to approach your symptoms while in a supportive and validating environment. 

Each session has a focus or a topic and there will be some strategies taught to address that topic. You might practice the strategy together as a group or discuss with the group how this might apply to your life. 

You’ll then have the opportunity to practice the strategies at home between sessions.

The next week you’ll begin group with a check in about the prior week which will give you a chance to discuss any issues that came up when you were using your skills, explore insights, and share successes.

The first group session involves introductions to get to know the facilitator(s) and group members as well as an overview of consent, group rules, and what to expect.

The last session will be an opportunity to celebrate the progress that you made and say your farewells.

If you require support between sessions, you will have an option to book individual sessions with the group facilitator(s) for coaching around the skills you are learning/topics we are exploring.

Group size ranges from 4-10 members. 

We intentionally keep the numbers low to ensure everyone has time to share, feels comfortable participating, and gets the most out of the group.

Group sessions are 2 hours in length. There is typically a brief bathroom/refreshment break half-way through. 

At this time, the group is set to be virtual. If you are interested in an in-person group, please let us know! If we have enough participants, we will offer an in-person date, at our offices at 500 King Street in Toronto (King St. West and Spadina).

No. You are welcome to complete part 1 only or to complete part 1 and part 2. 

Participation in part 1 is required to participate in part 2. This is because part 2 builds upon the knowledge an skills learned in part 1. 

You are welcome to participate in part 2 at a later time. 

You do not have to decide about your participation in part 2 until you have finished part 1.

If you think back to when you learned to ride a bicycle or something that you now do effortlessly, you’ll probably remember that it took quite a bit of practice to be able to get good at it. We want you to get good at using the skills that you learn at group so we do ask you to spend a few minutes each day between group trying to implement the strategies that you learned.

That way, if any issues come up, you can trouble shoot with the group at the next session. If no issues came up, then you practiced which makes it more likely that you’ll use the strategy when you need them most.

You do not need to complete these tasks. You will not get in trouble if you don’t do them. However, we do recommend you complete them to get the most out of the group.

Sharing your experience is not a requirement of part 1 or part 2. There is an opportunity at the end of part 2 to share your experience with the group. This is optional. You are not required to do so and if you choose to share, you can share as much or as little as you would like. 

We appreciate that everyone is at different stages of their recovery and that everyone has different needs to heal. We are supportive of where you are and will not push you to do something that you do not want to do. 

Yes. There are five reasons for this. 

Connection and Engagement. 

Having cameras on enhances the human element of a virtual group, creating a opportunities for connection and engagement. If we were in person, we would not be hiding our faces and this contributes to a personal and supportive space. Having cameras on creates this same dynamic in a group setting.

Non-Verbal Communication.

There is SO MUCH information that we collect from people’s facial expressions an body language. Facilitators rely on cameras being on to understand the group’s reactions to discussion topics – are you bored, interested, or agree/disagree with what is being discussed? Was the joke or comment understood or is clarification needed?

The same goes for other group members.  When we share and see someone nodding or smiling, it offers validation and creates feelings of acceptance. This is one of the greatest benefits of attending group therapy. 

Building Trust. 

Being able to see one another creates a sense of openness and transparency which is crucial for creating a safe therapeutic environment. It also builds trust among the group, with everyone knowing who they are sharing with. 

Accountability. 

We are much more likely to engage and participate in a session when we are on camera. Even if we’re not sharing, we’re less likely to be distracted with other tasks such as housework or responding to emails. This increases the benefit of the group. 

Safety.

Facilitators need to know what is happening with the group from a safety perspective. If someone becomes triggered, injured, or experiences an emergency, the facilitators can see this occurred and respond appropriately. 

You don’t want to get stuck in something that isn’t right for you – we totally get that! To prevent this from happening we offer a complimentary orientation session. This is a chance for you to meet with the group facilitator, learn about the group, and determine if it’s a fit for you. 

Once you start the group, you may experience worries about not fitting in. If this happens, we want you to express those feelings with the group facilitators. We will work through your concerns and come up with a solution that is best for you at that time